This morning (January 9), North Korea and South Korea held talks to "break the ice" of tensions.
Delegations from North Korea and South Korea began their first high-level talks in more than two years this morning (January 9) at the truce village of Panmunjom, a positive sign for the prospect of easing tensions.
South Korean Unification Minister (left) shakes hands with North Korea's chief negotiator on the morning of January 9. Photo: Yonhap
According to news agencyYonhapThe talks began at 10 a.m. local time this morning at the Panmunjom truce village in the demilitarized zone between South Korea and North Korea.
The talks come after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made a surprise offer of peace talks with South Korea in his New Year's address, saying Pyongyang was willing to send a delegation to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea next month.
Speaking at the opening of the talks today, North Korean chief negotiator Ri Son-gwon said: "I came here with the hope that the two Koreas will negotiate with sincerity to achieve worthy results for the people of the two Koreas, who are looking forward to this meeting as a New Year's gift."
On the South Korean side, Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon said: “These talks were conducted after the two sides had been tense for a long time. I hope both sides can negotiate with patience and determination.”
During today's meeting, South Korean and North Korean officials are expected to discuss Pyongyang's participation in the Olympics as well as the possibility of improving bilateral relations. "The two sides will discuss cooperation during the Olympics as well as issues of mutual concern," said Baik Tae-hyun, spokesman for the South Korean Unification Ministry.
In addition, according to observers, North Korea may take this opportunity to continue to request that South Korea and the US stop joint military exercises. Pyongyang may also request that Seoul lift economic sanctions and resume inter-Korean economic projects.
However, South Korea will be in a dilemma when considering reopening the Kaesong industrial complex and the Mount Kumgang tourism project, as resuming such activities could lead to controversy over whether they violate UN resolutions aimed at cutting off funding for North Korea’s weapons programs.
“The high-level talks can be considered a success if North Korea agrees to attend the Olympics and the two sides set a date for the next meeting, each presenting their views on issues of mutual concern,” said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies.
